Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns and Prevalence of Surgical Site Infections in Caesarean Section Deliveries at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Introduction: A caesarean section (CS) is one of the most frequently performed obstetric surgeries in the world and its use has increased dramatically in recent years. The number of caesarean section cases worldwide has been increasing each year, and the World Health Organization (WHO) reported an excess of 10% -15% of CS procedures for all births. However, some women experience surgical site infections (SSIs) after undergoing CS delivery. This study investigated the prescribing patterns of antibiotics in CS deliveries and the prevalence of SSIs at two tertiary hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2020 at the Women and

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Risk Factors Associated with ESBL-Producing and MDR Escherichia coli in Hospital and Environmental Settings in Lusaka, Zambia: Implications for One Health, Antimicrobial Stewardship and Surveillance Systems

“…β-lactam antibiotics are among the most commonly administered drugs globally, as they have an advantageous side effect profile and in many patient populations (i.e., children, the elderly, and pregnant women), they are the only suitable antimicrobials [ 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ]. However, the development of resistance to these agents in recent years has become a serious public health concern [ 66 , 67 , 68 ]; this is especially true in low-income countries, such as Zambia, where β-lactam antibiotics are overused and misused and are often readily available without a medical prescription [ 63 , 64 , 69 ]. In addition to β-lactamases, the modification of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), the decreased permeability of the bacterial outer membrane, and the co-existence of several resistance mechanisms contributed to this phenomenon [ 57 ].…”

Exploring Nanotechnology as a Strategy to Circumvent Antimicrobial Resistance in Bone and Joint Infections

“…The inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals has contributed to the development and worsening of AMR . One of the major factors contributing to AMR in humans has been reported to be the ease with which antimicrobials can be obtained without a prescription. − Additionally, irrational prescribing of antibiotics has made this phenomenon worse. ,− AMR has also been linked to irrational dispensing practices and easy access to antibiotics for use in animals without a prescription. − Evidence has also shown that healthcare professionals with this responsibility have missed doses when administering antibiotics, which has been linked to the development of AMR. ,− As a result, patient noncompliance with antimicrobial therapy has also contributed to the development of AMR. Furthermore, a lack of patient education on antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR is another factor that contributes to inappropriate AMU and, eventually, may lead to the development of AMR. ,, …”